Swine Fever Vaccine

Swine Fever Vaccine

Maura Bennett
Maura Bennett

As scientists across the US and the world race to find more vaccine candidates for COVID19, another deadly disease may be about to meet its vaccine match as well.

The USDA is reporting that it is well along the path of developing a vaccine to protect pigs from African Swine Fever.

Agricultural Research Service Administrator Chavonda Jacobs-Young says researchers are working on one promising option.

Jacobs-Young: “This is big because it is the first vaccine candidate that has shown some characteristics that we have not seen in others; the efficacy rate for example has been very exciting. We’re continuing to develop new vaccine candidates. It’s important that we be able to thwart off any transmission of this disease to our producers in the United States.

While ASF has not been found in the US, it has spread to more than 50 countries. ASF is a devastating, deadly disease that would have a significant impact on U.S. livestock producers, their communities, and the economy if it were found here. There is no treatment or vaccine available for this disease. The only way to stop this disease is to depopulate all affected or exposed swine herds.

The USDA has increased surveillance at the border working with customs and border patrol to prevent infected pigs from entering the US. The Colorado Pork Producers and the Colorado Livestock Association have worked to help pork producers recognize and report any symptoms should they occur in the state.

ASF is not a public health threat or a food safety concern according to the Colorado Pork Producers.

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African Swine Fever is transmitted between domestic swine by direct contact, ingestion of infected meat, contaminated surfaces, or mechanically by biting flies or soft ticks according to the National Library of Medicine.

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